Two and a half years into the COVID-19 pandemic, your Adelaide Park Lands are still providing multiple public health benefits.
The value of Open Green Public space for maintaining and improving public health has never been greater.
In addition, these three sites within the western Park Lands are filling vital roles in detecting and combating the spread of the virus.
Accurately diagnosing COVID-19 requires PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests. For two and a half years, Adelaide's most popular and central PCR testing station was in Victoria Park / Pakapakanthi (Park 16).
However that testing station has been moved out of Victoria Park to allow preparations for the return of motor racing to the Park.
Central PCR testing has now been switched to the opposite side of the city, in Edwards Park, off Anzac Highway, i.e. the southern section of G.S. Kingston Park / Wirrarninthi (Park 23).
See the photo of the new test PCR testing site, below.
The former PCR test site, now removed from Victoria Park / Pakapakanthi (Park 16) after almost two and a half years of operation.
The new PCR test site off Anzac Highway, just south of the West Terrace Cemetery in Edwards Park, part of G.S. Kingston Park / Wirrarninthi (Park 23)
Two other nearby Park Lands sites are also playing a role in combating COVID.
For months, this site off Greenhill Rd in Josie Agius Park / Wikaparntu Wirra (Park 22) has been the location to collect rapid antigen test (RAT) kits for close contacts of confirmed cases.
The RAT collection location off Greenhill Road in Park 22
The former COVID-19 vaccination hub in the Wayville Showgrounds has now closed to allow preparations for this year's Royal Show.
The former vaccination hub in the Royal Adelaide showgrounds, now closed. Pic: Tony Lewis, InDaily
A replacement vaccination marquee has been set up off Sir Donald Bradman Drive in Ellis Park / Tampawardli (Park 24).
The new COVID-19 vaccination hub, off Sir Donald Bradman Drive in Ellis Park / Tampawardli (Park 24).
With COVID-19 now endemic in the community, it is an open question as to how long these temporary operations in your Park Lands will continue.
